Three levels of questions and thinking Getting at the deeper levels of a piece of writing

Level One: literal level “reading the lines” These questions and ideas are based on exactly what the text states without looking for deeper themes or symbolism. Level one responses express what we see and what actions happen. Level one questions will have one correct answer that can be found stated exactly in the text. Think of these as pop quiz level questions.

Level two: interpretive level “reading BETWEEN the lines” These are the ideas “between the lines.” Often, level two questions ask “why” or “why not.” Level two thinking makes connections between elements and gets at the motivations of characters and the speaker/writer. Level two questions will have more than one potential answer, but can still be answered with evidence from the text.

Level three: extending level “reading BEYOND the lines” This level consists of the conclusions drawn based on levels 1 and 2. Think of it like “if X is…and Y is…, then Z.” Z is the level three idea Level three recognizes themes, devices, purpose/motivation, and sometimes makes connections to issues presented in other works or even the real world.

“Siren Song” by Margaret Atwood This is the one song everyone would like to learn: the song that is irresistible: the song that forces men to leap overboard in squadrons even though they see the beached skulls the song nobody knows because anyone who has heard it is dead, and the others can’t remember. Shall I tell you the secret and if I do, will you get me out of this bird suit? I don’t enjoy it here squatting on this island looking picturesque and mythical With these two feathery maniacs, I don’t enjoy singing this trio, fatal and valuable. I will tell the secret to you, to you, only to you. Come closer. This song is a cry for help: Help me! Only you, only you can, you are unique at last. Alas it is a boring song but it works every time.

Level one response: what’s happening/ what do you see?

Level two response: read between the lines – purpose/motivation? This poem is REALLY about… The speaker is trying to make me understand… It’s surprising that in the poem… Now I realize…

Level three response: beyond the lines – draw connections or relationships?

“A Noiseless Patient Spider” by Walt Whitman A noiseless patient spider, I marked where on a little promontory it stood isolated, Marked how to explore the vacant vast surrounding, It launched forth filament, filament, filament, out of itself, Ever unreeling them, ever tirelessly speeding them. And you O my soul where you stand, Surrounded, detached, in measureless oceans of space, Ceaselessly musing, venturing, throwing, seeking the spheres to connect them, Till the bridge you will need be formed, till the ductile anchor hold, Till the gossamer thread you fling catch somewhere, O my soul.